The result for Ghana puts them three points clear at the top of qualifying Group I, with second-placed Sudan playing away at Swaziland on Sunday.

Essien start

Playing for Ghana for the first time since last year's Africa Cup of Nations tournament, Chelsea midfielder Essien was substituted midway through the second half at Baba Yara Stadium - soon after Ghana had gone 2-0 ahead.

Matt Moussilou scored the visitors' only goal.

Congo had key defender Bruce Abdoulaye sent off in the 48th and the visitors went behind just four minutes later through Vorsah's back-post header from a corner.

Prince Tagoe made it 2-0 in the 69th with another header before Moussilou pulled one back for Congo in the 76th, benefiting from a rebound after an error from Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson.

But Agyemang-Badu hit his first goal for Ghana from long range a minute later to wrap up the win for the hosts in Kumasi. Ghana is now unbeaten in four qualifying games.

"It was a great second half performance,'' Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic said.

"Most of the players have had a long season and have other issues to sort out with their clubs over their futures.

"But I think they were good later on. The second half was OK."

"I am satisfied. I knew it was not going to be easy, Congo are tough.''